Calling all not-for-profit organizations who have a flair for The Great New York State Fair: The Fair is asking for your help to make the end of summer a little sweeter for families in need in our community. The Fair is now accepting applications from not-for-profit organizations who would like to treat their constituents to a day at The Fair.
Since its inception in 2014, the Adopt-A-Family Program has helped more than 2,500 struggling families enjoy a fun day at the Great New York State Fair by providing vouchers for free Fair admission, free parking, and free food for families who otherwise would not be able to afford a visit to The Fair.
All not-for-profit 501(c)(3), 501(c)(5), or 501(c)(6) organizations that serve special needs populations, low-income groups, and underserved areas are eligible to apply. Applicants will need to demonstrate established criteria (provided below) and questions in the applications, available by clicking here. The form is also accessible on The Fair’s sponsorship page on its website. If selected, the not-for-profit group(s) will receive packets containing the following items:
- (1) Fairgrounds parking pass
- (4) full-price Fair admission tickets (NOTE: Admission is free for Children 12 years old and under and senior citizens 65 years old and older)
- (4) potato coupons (redeemable at The Great Potato Booth)
- (4) milk coupons (redeemable at the Milk Bar)
- Food Bucks, value determined based on remaining funds (redeemable at any participating food vendors)
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, August 11, and will be reviewed by a committee. The following criteria will be considered:
- Mission Statement, by-laws, constitution, or similar documentation that demonstrates how the applicant supports the intended recipients of the Adopt-A-Family packets.
- Strength and feasibility of the applicant’s plan to select and distribute Adopt-A-Family packets to families in the intended populations.
- Completeness of application with all required documents.
All applicants will be contacted formally with a decision. The number of packets given to applicants will be determined by the Selection Committee based on available funding, the total number of packets available, and the number of selected applicants.
The selected not-for-profit organizations will receive their packets for distribution to their clients no later than Wednesday, August 16, one full week before The Fair begins.
“One of the key components of The Great New York State Fair is family, and it’s important to our team to make The Fair as accessible as we can to as many families as possible,” said Sean Hennessey, Interim Fair Director. “The Adopt-A-Family Program is an important tool to help us make that happen. Our Sponsorship Department has more than 250 Thank You notes and testimonials from families who have benefited from this incredible program. We encourage not-for-profit organizations to apply to help the populations that they serve and give them a day of fun at The Fair!”
The Adopt-A-Family Program is made possible through partnerships with Fidelis Heath Care, the New York State Department of Health, and the 529 College Savings Program.
The Great New York State Fair begins on August 23 and continues through Labor Day, September 4.
